Solar Powered Dc Nano-Grid with Multi Agent Control Strategy

Abstract

Smart homes are typical examples of DC Nano-grids wherein multi-agent strategy is required for coordinating different entities to harness flexible load and storage to maximize the integration of intermittent renewable generation. This paper proposes a novel multi-agent approach for DC Nano-grids in smart homes with an aim to simultaneously maximize comfort levels and renewable integration. In the proposed approach, there are three agents: flexible loads, batteries, and renewable energy sources which interact among them for meeting the control objectives. The agents are coordinated using a centralized controller and based on its decision the flexibility is harnessed to the grid. The novelty of the approach is that the different agents communicate only to the central controller and not among themselves which reduces the communication among them. The advantage of the proposed approach is their ability to handle DC Nano-grids and using an agent-based approach within a residential building. The proposed multi-agent approach is illustrated on a lab-level DC Nano-grids pilot developed by the authors. Our results show that achieves maximum overall energy efficiency and minimum electricity bill and smooth control of various modes of operation.